95-year-old Betty White’s best life advice

The birthday girl, born in 1922, has more than a sage word or two to share. Here: her top 13 pieces of advice.

Betty White arrives for an evening with Betty White held at Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on May 2012 in North Hollywood. Toby Canham | Getty Images | AFP

Looking at the past 95 years of actress Betty White’s life is like looking at the embodiment of vitality: She’s done so much, and with so much joy. The comedian, often heralded as one of the most influential women in TV history, has been making audiences laugh since 1939. She was the first woman to produce a sitcom, and she’s portrayed some of our favorite characters, like Sue Ann on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, or Rose on The Golden Girls, and she was the the first woman to win a daytime Emmy award. (And let’s not forget that her career also went beyond the screen: she’s written books, hosted radio shows, tried dabbing, and championed the cause of animal rights.) To top it all off, she’s had the longest career of any female TV actor … and she still has no plans to retire.

While we do part ways with her on many religious and social issues, we do appreciate her observations about aging, longevity, human values, and living life with character and fullness. We think you will too!

Be a strong butterfly

Integrity is worth striving for

“You don’t luck into integrity. You work at it.” ―from Betty White’s book, If You Ask Me

Life is bigger than social media

A note for the men in our lives

“A lady likes to be complimented on her looks, her eyes, her figure. But the personality comments are much appreciated.”

Laughter is essential

Don’t take friendships for granted

“Friendship takes time and energy if it’s going to work. You can luck into something great, but it doesn’t last if you don’t give it proper appreciation. Friendship can be so comfortable, but nurture it-don’t take it for granted.”―from Betty White’s book, If You Ask Me

Take yourself lightly

Senior Editor Natalie van der Meer is a former editor for Redbook, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest and Allure, covering fashion, beauty, travel, family, book reviews, and much more. She lives in New York City.